IAF drops 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley
Indian Air Force’s Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 liters of water into the rarefied Himalayan air while fighting forest fires at an altitude of about 2,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley on January 29, 2026. Photo: Indian Air Force via ANI
Operating at an altitude of around 2,500 meters in rare Himalayan weather, the Indian Air Force (IAF) dropped at least 12,000 liters of water to fight forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley.
The IAF deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters for the operation, which involved challenging conditions at high altitude. In a post shared on
This came amid a series of rapid response operations by the IAF. Earlier, at a separate event, the force was rapidly deployed from Lohegaon Air Force Station to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, along with a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with necessary technical equipment, on the urgent request of the State Government, defense officials said on Wednesday (January 28).
He added that the team immediately established emergency ATC services, including communications and other essential facilities, in coordination with the local government to support safe and efficient air traffic management.
In an Personnel provide essential ATC and Meteorology services to ensure safe air operations.
“In response to an urgent request from civil authorities following the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force quickly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. This team provides essential Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorology services required to support safe air operations from the region. This rapid assistance underscores the IAF’s commitment to national service in times of need,” the IAF wrote.
Baramati’s deployment follows the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar when a charter plane crash-landed in the district on Thursday morning (January 29).
It was published – 30 January 2026 04:42 IST
